If you live in Toronto you’ve probably heard of the Gladstone Hotel, but it may be unlikely you’ve ever stayed in one of their extremely unique rooms.

Photo: Room 311 – Trading Post Room – Designed by: Matthew Agostinis and Joel Harrison-Off

The hotel, a 19th century Victorian building located in West Queen West, is arguably one of Toronto’s best recognized boutique hotels.

And in their quest to be unique and carve their own distinct niche in the competitive accommodations business their 37 rooms, which feature exposed brick and high ceilings, are each uniquely designed by Canadian artists as an individual work of art.

The list of participating artists is extensive and well established, but perhaps the most interesting aspect is that the artist’s resumes include performance, video and installation artists (among many others).

Photo: Room 406 – El-e-men-tal – Designed by: Rob Southcott

The rooms range from highly conceptual spaces to rooms you could imagine finding in a New York City boutique hotel on the upper east side of Manhattan.

And the best part: you are free to browse images, videos, floor plans and artist bios for each room before choosing which you’d like to stay in, pending availability of course.

Photo: Room 318 – Blue Line Room – Designed by: GHOST DESIGN

And what could more Canadian than Room 404, the Canadiana Room?

Photo: Room 404 – The Canadiana Room. Designed By: The Big Stuff and Jenny Francis

In addition to a unique room experience, this Toronto landmark proudly hosts more than 70 art events annually, and also has a bar and café on location with events all year round.

We’ve featured some of our favourite rooms here, but we strongly recommend checking out their website!

What a great celebration of Canadian art and design!

Photos: Courtesy of The Gladstone Hotel

Researched and Written by Spencer Robert Jeffries
Student of Interior Design – Ryerson University